England have produced one of their most resolute performances in recent memory to register a 23-7 win over Australia in Melbourne, a result which secures their first-ever series win Down Under.
After their win in the first Test last weekend, England were on a high ahead of the second of three Test matches, and a fiercely-fought opening 15 minutes went without the deadlock being broken.
However, parity did not last for much longer as Dylan Hartley muscled his way over the line to give England the advantage and Owen Farrell extended the lead by successfully converting a penalty.
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Australia found themselves in a war of attrition but they mustered a positive response when Stephen Moore touched down with six minutes to go before the interval.
The Wallabies mounted a sustained charge towards the line during the final seconds of the first half but after a period of play that exceeded 20 phases, England held firm to keep their noses ahead at the break.
England went six points ahead shortly after the restart courtesy of another Farrell penalty but it did little to discourage Australia ploughing forward, with one try being enough to move in front for the first time in the contest.
Eddie Jones's men appeared to be out on their feet having made almost four times as many tackles than Australia with 10 minutes remaining, but they stunned their hosts with a devastating break-away that resulted in the series being wrapped up with a game to spare.
Courtney Lawes powered forward before finding Jamie George, whose kick through the middle was gathered by Farrell and he got the decisive touch over the line to put the game out of Australia's reach.
Farrell converted the try before adding a penalty in the penultimate play of an absorbing contest as England ensured that their World Cup nightmare became a distant memory.
Darren Plant
